The Eagle Pond Author’s Series Rolls Forward with Fall

When going to a poetry reading the last thing that I expected to hear was some impromptu guitar playing and singing. Being serenaded in the ever-comfortable Smith Recital Hall was a very calming and enriching way to spend a Thursday night when the Eagle Pond Author Series featured Sharon McDermott’s talents. Reading several poems from her brand-new book of poetry Life Without Furniture. 

The event is a continuation of the now 20 year running series dedicated to Donald Hall and his wife. Once again, the event was headed by Professor Liz Ahl who gave a brief introduction about the history of the event. 

One of my favorite works read that night had to be “Undertow,” where she describes almost drowning at a beach. The poem is startling and creatively constructed. With quick shifts from line to line and a fast-paced stream of consciousness leading the way, the listener is given an imitation of drowning themselves. Sensory overload and quick thoughts create the same panic that one may experience in the same situation. 

McDermott stressed the importance of observation when writing poetry. When speaking about her love of the art form she stated: “It’s my favorite thing about poetry. It makes you want to look around.” 

To close out the event McDermott sang and performed on her own guitar a thoughtful rendition of “Dear Prudence,” a Beatles classic. Earlier in the night, she also played a song she wrote called “Blue” as well as “Angel from Montgomery” by Bonnie Raitt.   

The Eagle Pond Series shall continue throughout the rest of the Fall semester with the next reading from Wesley McNair on November 8^that 7:00 pm at the Smith Recital Hall in the Silver Center. Tickets for the event shall be free.  

I would like to end this article by leaving a single, out of context, line from the titular poem from the book, “Life Without Furniture,” to reflect on: “We are here, at least for now.”